SAGICOR UWI were made to struggle after they won the toss and elected to bat, but struck back late in the day to grab a key wicket as Ince Transport Services MTW’s bowlers claimed the initiative on the first day of the Barbados Cricket Association’s Intermediate Division final at Kensington Oval yesterday.
All of UWI’s batsmen with the possible exception of opener Jamal Jordan spurned the excellent batting conditions, as MTW’s spinning trio of Kevin Gittens, Dennis Payne and Junior Holder shared eight of the wickets in a total of 154 all out from 54 overs.
Pace bowler Nhamo Winn then got the experienced Eric Batsonto edge an attempted hook through to the ’keeper as MTW closed on five for one after four overs.
Off-spinner Kevin Gittens, who shared the new ball and maintained immaculate length and line in his first spell, made the first breakthrough when he knocked back Rawdon Bentick’s stumps as the batsman essayed a wild swing to a well-pitched delivery.
Medium pacer Raymond Kellman accepted an easy return catch to get rid of Dwight Carter who replaced Bentick and the innings fell into further decay when Armani Best edged a Gittens arm-ball to wicketkeeper Jamell Kirton to leave the score at 39 for three.
Jordan, who looked in good touch, watched from the opposite end as Pierre Rock pushed left-arm spinner Dennis Payne’s first delivery tamely back to the bowler before he fell just a single short of a deserved half-century, caught at slip by Gittens off Holder’s bowling.
The left-hander stroked six fours and pulled a short ball from Kellman out of the playing area for one of the two sixes recorded in the innings. His dismissal preceded that of UWI Cave Hill Principal Hilary Beckles who was adjudged lbw to Payne as he played across a faster delivery and the “students” found themselves floundering on 84 for six at the tea interval.
Winn (29) and captain Nicholas Brathwaite (20) then featured in the best partnership of the innings, 35 for the seventh after the break, and although No. 9 Marlon Richards (24) led a lower-order rally to the eventual total, MTW still laid claim to first day honours.
Gittens finished with three for 25 and Holder got the last two wickets. Holder had three for 42, while Payne (2-47) helped to complete the rout.
The four-day match continues today.